Belgian wonder boy Kevin De Bruyne has ruled out the possibility of a Chelsea return this summer, or any in the future for that matter, so long as Jose Mourinho remains in charge of the Premier League champions.

Speaking to German sports publication Bild, the Wolfsburg shaman dismissed speculation he might be moving back to west London, handing reported suitors Manchester City an advantage ahead of any prospective pre-season pursuit.

The Citizens are now the shortest price of any aside from De Bruyne’s present employers to be paying the playmaker’s wages by September 2nd at 5/2, with the Blues stricken from the betting following these revelations:

“I think, to be honest, that I would not return to Chelsea as long as he [Mourinho] is in charge.”

But if success and trophies is what the 23-year-old envisages in the future, dismissing a reunion with his former Stamford Bridge brethren is not a wise move.

Bringing back previously departed members of the team has become something of a speciality of Chelsea’s in recent seasons and all those to come back to the Blues have savoured success.

Jose Mourinho was the first, having had his reputation tarnished by a trophy shortage during his three-year reign at Real Madrid.

Jose Mourinho’s winking leaves plenty to be desired

The sophomore year of his second-stint on the King’s Road heralded a first Premier League title since 2009/10, preceded by the Capital One Cup.

Didier Drogba made a surprise return to the club from Galatasaray ahead of this season to augment his career silverware haul by two as well.

Nemanja Matic is the player whose career path resembles that of De Bruyne’s most closely though.

Nemanja Matic dominating the midfield against Newcastle

He was outcast as a youth in 2011, shipped off to Benfica as part of the David Luiz deal after being deemed good enough to make just three first-team appearances for the west Londoners.

Three years in Lisbon saw his value sky-rocket to £25m, which Chelsea duly paid to have the Serbian shore up their midfield.

Like the Serbian steamroller, De Bruyne has confirmed the Blues’ oversight in relinquishing him and output of 15 goals and 25 assists is quantifiable proof he would improve their team next season.

Matic didn’t allow a fruitless first spell with Chelsea to cloud his judgement that it was the best place for him to improve further and his Belgian former teammate should follow the lead.

Having contributed to a variety of sports betting-based journalistic mediums, James joined the bwin fraternity in early 2014. He is an avid Middlesbrough Football Club fan who frequently foresees defeats for both Newcastle and Sunderland while, in spite of his age, he remains an unashamed follower of wrestling results.

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